The ethics training session, led by representatives from the New Jersey School Boards Association, focused on the roles and responsibilities of board members. The session covered the School Ethics Act, which sets minimum ethical standards for school officials. Board members learned about prohibited acts, mandatory training requirements, and the repercussions of violating ethical guidelines, which could include reprimands, censures, suspensions, or removal from office. The training emphasized avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring that board actions are confined to policymaking and appraisal. The session further explored the complexities of managing conflicts of interest, particularly concerning familial relationships and collective bargaining, and the need for recusal in situations where personal interests could impair objectivity.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the introduction of Mr. Flea as the new principal of Sherman Elementary School. A member of the public expressed excitement over his appointment, noting his popularity as a favorite teacher and the positive impact of his predecessor, Principal Lechner, in fostering an inclusive environment at the school. Principal Lechner was praised for revitalizing a struggling program and ensuring that students from self-contained classrooms were included in special events. This cultural shift at Sherman was credited with creating a more inclusive atmosphere, where every student felt valued, and general education teachers were involved in setting goals for improved inclusion.

The board also reviewed the NJ GPA results, presented by the district’s director of guidance and testing. The assessment is a graduation requirement for 11th graders, with students needing to pass both the English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics sections. The results showed that 91% of high school students passed the ELA assessment, while 59% passed the math assessment, both surpassing state averages. Notable improvements were seen across various demographics, with Hispanic students showing a significant rise in math pass rates from 31% to 54%. Special education students also demonstrated progress, with ELA pass rates increasing from 67% to 81%, although their math scores showed a modest rise from 19% to 22%. The presentation outlined future intervention strategies to further bolster math scores, including targeted small class instruction and differentiated instruction based on data.

In addition to these topics, the meeting included a discussion led by a representative from the New Jersey School Boards Association, who highlighted the need for school boards to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. The discourse emphasized the importance of preparing students for future challenges, rather than adhering to outdated paradigms. The representative shared insights from the Iowa Lighthouse study, which identified specific board behaviors that contribute to student success and teacher retention, underscoring the value of collaborative efforts among staff, boards, and parents in improving educational outcomes.

The meeting addressed personnel changes, highlighting the promotion of Mr. Flea to principal at Sherman School and a farewell to Miss Lechner, recognized for her contributions. Policy agenda items were reviewed, including the second reading of district policies and proposed changes regarding the use of school facilities. The board also approved educational items related to the NJPBSIS, district mentoring and professional development plans, and an emergency instruction plan.

The business agenda covered monthly certifications, the approval of bills, grant allocations, equipment purchases, and building use proposals, all of which passed without opposition. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of technical difficulties experienced during live streaming, with assurances that the meeting was recorded for later posting. The next meeting was scheduled for August 20th at 7 p.m., and the chair called for a motion to adjourn, which was passed.